NZ health worker arrested in Zimbabwe

A New Zealander has been arrested in Zimbabwe, accused of running a clinic and dispensing Aids drugs without a licence.

Andrew Cheyne, 48, was arrested along with four health workers from the United States and one from Zimbabwe.

All have been released on bail and told to surrender their passports.

The medical team, which worked from two clinics in Mutoko and Harare, denies the charges.

The BBC reports they will next appear in court on 27 September.

The other accused are Gloria Croxwell, 48, Anthony Jones, 39, Gregory Miller, 64, and David Greenberg, 62, from the United States; and Tembinkosi Ncomanzi, 37, from Zimbabwe.

The penalties for the foreign workers could include a fine and deportation.

The Christian volunteer health team from California includes a doctor, two nurses and a community worker.

The US embassy said they mainly looked after AIDs orphans and HIV-positive patients.

Police told the state-controlled Herald newspaper that they were arrested "for questioning in connection with practising without a premises licence and dispensing medicines without the supervision of a pharmacist".